What are parabens?
Parabens, according to the FDA, are most widely used as preservatives in cosmetic products such as makeup, moisturizers, hair care products, and shaving products, to name a few. The most common parabens – methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben – are often used in combination with other types of preservatives to increase the shelf-life of a product and to keep it safe from bacterial contamination.
There continue to be different viewpoints about the potential health risks associated with parabens in beauty products. “Parabens are safe for use in cosmetic products at levels up to 25%,” the FDA says, “[and] typically parabens are used at levels ranging from 0.01% to 0.3%.” Still, some wonder about a potential link between parabens and cancer.
According to the National Cancer Institute, some scientists believe parabens in antiperspirants and deodorants may be associated with breast cancer because they are applied frequently to an area next to the breast. Timothy Moynihan, M.D., a cancer specialist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, explains that a 2004 study found parabens in 18 of 20 tissue samples from breast tumors. “Parabens, which act like estrogen in the body, are preservatives used in antiperspirants and deodorants,” says Dr. Moynihan. The study, however, did not prove that parabens caused breast cancer, nor did it identify the source of the parabens. It was concluded that more research is needed to determine whether or not parabens are linked to breast cancer through antiperspirants and deodorants.
Other organizations, such as The Breast Cancer Fund, are not convinced that more research is needed. Their website reads, “Parabens are absorbed through intact skin and from the gastrointestinal tract and blood. Measurable concentrations of six different parabens have been identified in biopsy samples from breast tumors.” However, because parabens can mimic the hormone estrogen, known to play a role in the development of breast cancer, there is discrepancy over whether or not parabens caused the cancer.
The FDA stands by the claim that “at the present time there is no reason for consumers to be concerned about the use of cosmetics containing parabens.” Fortunately, if one is unsure of which side to choose in the paraben debate, there are some options. Many Some organic cosmetics tout themselves are paraben-free, which might provide a good alternative for the concerned consumer. Be sure to read the ingredient labels on the products you purchase, and don’t be afraid to ask a doctor for an opinion on the paraben question.
Credit: beautypress.com
What do you think about parabens? Are they harmful or not? Let me know in the comments section.
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I handle development for Cat Cosmetics and appreciate this article very much…it's written beautifully! We're not in the position to asses the credibility of parabens being a contributor to breast cancer or not but simply because there is concern for some women we believe it's our duty to comply. We are gradually reformulating our products to be paraben free and currently have quite a few on the Cat Cosmetics line that are already paraben free. Every time we turn our head there seems to be another common ingredient that effects us in some way…whether it's BPA in plastic or even copper which a lot of our pipes in our homes are made of. For me I do my best to control in my life what I can and be at peace with what I can't. If I can't buy my favorite hair care or deodorant without parabens then I'll make sure that the products I'm less brand loyal to are paraben free to compensate. Thank you again for the article!
Best Wishes,
Gillion >^..^<
Thank you for this post regarding parabens and the facts behind them. I think it is important that we continue to arm consumers with the information they need to make educated decisions as opposed to decisions influenced by hype. I have personally posted 2 blog articles on the same subject. The latter of the two discusses findings from the latest research conducted by Colipa which proves that parabens are metabolized before they reach the bloodstream.
According to the science, parabens are not a threat. As you indicated above, there is no harm in caution. For that very reason, there are a multitude of products that are "paraben free". However, in my informed opinion, I think it's safe to say there is no harm in their continued use.
Great post!
.-= Desiree Mattox´s last blog ..Fabulous Smells and Cocktails =-.
There has been an increase in breast cancer in this country over the past few decades. Something to do with "industrialization" has to be the cause. I avoid parabens now in deodorant, lotions, shampoos. Better safe than sorry in my book.
We choose to avoid Parabens. Simply put, there are other less risky ingredients to include.
No this is exactly why I use organic aluminum free deodorant that doesn't smell the best but is better for you.
I am not sure that asking a doctor about parabens would lead to any useful information, as I would guess that most doctors do not know all the detail about the various studies to comment with any real authority. For anyone interesting in knowing more about parabens, please follow the links below:
http://personalcaretruth.com/2010/11/parabens-in-… http://personalcaretruth.com/2010/11/parabens-in-…
The Breast Cancer Fund is not a research organisation, you would be better off looking at the web sites of the major cancer RESEARCH organisations, who understand the science better.
Despite the many claims, there is no proven link between parabens and breast cancer, and parabens have NOT been shown to mimic oestrogen. Butylparaben has weak oestrogenic activity, but this is not the same as being an oestrogen mimic. Unfortunately, many scientists don't know the difference!
I have come into this discussion very late, but not late enough I hope to ask what ingredients you consider to be less risky than parabens?
In December 2009, the Wall Street Journal reported a fall in the incidence of breast cancer in the USA. "Industrialisation" does not cause any disease. Water can kill – avoid it – better safe than sorry!
A deodorant that smells? That doesn't sound like a successful product to me!
I agree with the article. You can’t be 100% certain if parabens are likely to cause breast cancer. Anyway, for your safety you can use organic deodorant.